Volvo will make a lasting impression through its new Virtual Retail Experience. New store opens up in Bedfordview.
A little slice of Sweden in Bedfordview. That’s how the PR at Volvo eloquently described the first Volvo Retail Experience which opened its doors today in front of a small media gathering. This clean-slate approach emphasises Volvo’s corporate image built on design philosophies of minimalism and design and features a mix of natural materials, high-quality furniture and a warm atmosphere.
“The Volvo Retail Experience brings all Volvo dealerships across the globe together from a look, feel and experience point-of-view,” comments Greg Maruszewski, Managing Director of Volvo Car South Africa. “The all-encompassing nature of VRE means that our dealerships will be more than just places to buy or service a Volvo – they are becoming places people want to visit even if it’s just for a cup of delicious coffee and a chat with their Volvo dealer family while enjoying the peaceful ambience and Scandinavian design.”
“Fika” has been incorporated as well – the daily Swedish act of taking some time out with good coffee and a pastry of some sort to enjoy the company of a friend, make a new one or simply just take a break from the fast-paced working world. As such, a fika area which features a coffee- and food station is supported by a bistro-style bar, a comfortable lounge and a children’s play zone.
Our new Bedfordview dealership is currently the VRE flagship, but all our other dealerships will be undergoing extensive VRE upgrades and will feature new-look interiors geared to providing an enjoyable and noteworthy retail experience for Volvo customers across South Africa. The future of Volvo ownership revolves around what we call VPS – Volvo Personal Service, whereby our customers are treated to fast, efficient and personalised service. VRE is a key part of that future,” continues Maruszewski.
Bruce Allen, Dealer Principal at Volvo Cars Bedfordview, expands: “Having built the new dealership from scratch, we have been able to fully-embrace the Volvo Retail Experience to ensure that absolutely every part of the dealership meets the expectations set by Volvo Car Group in Sweden. And so, walking into a dealership in our home market results in the same ambience, furniture, sounds and feel as what we have created here in South Africa.”
